FMSF-backed inquiry falls flat

[biaothanatoi]

Over the last few years in Victoria, Australia, the False Memory Syndrome Foundation has been pushing for an inquiry into "Recovered Memory Therapy" - their fabricated pseudo-psychological term that lumps treatment for traumatic amnesia with past-life regression and other 'alternative' therapies. The intended result, of course, is to discredit evidence-based psychological treatment for PTSD.<br><br>The government set up the "Inquiry into the Practice of Recovered Memory Therapy" and recieved about 60 submissions, the largest number (of course) from the FMSF. The resulting <!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.peterellis.org.nz/docs/2005/2005--0800_DraftReport-RMT.pdf" target="top">161 page draft report</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--> was leaked late last year. (The only publicly available report is sadly only available on the website PeterEllis.org.nz, which is attempting to clear a man jailed for ritual abuse in New Zealand.)<br><br>Talk about a backfire for the denialist camp. The conclusion:<br><br>"It was concluded that reports of the practice of RMT are often based on speculation. Therefore, at present, there is no reliable evidence base for the practice of RMT in Victoria. Respondents assumed some inexperienced or underqualified practitioners inadvertently or intentionally might contribute to the creation of false memories of CSA. The extent to which this occurs is unknown."<br><br>The Commissioner went on to suggest that universities and professional bodies collaborate "to review the adequacy of training regarding trauma, with a view to ensuring practitioners are being adequately trained." He went on to state:<br><br>"In addition, some practitioners reported that many guidelines outline what not to do, such as how to avoid contributing to the creation of false memories, but fail to document what to do, such as how to effectively and safely facilitate the recovery of memories in ways that prioritise patients’ interests, including the patient’s right to decide the extent and timing of recovery."<br><br>A timely reminder that the bad guys don't always win. <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p216.ezboard.com/brigorousintuition.showUserPublicProfile?gid=biaothanatoi@rigorousintuition>biaothanatoi</A> at: 2/20/06 8:06 pm<br></i>